Hamammelidaceae
Genera : 26
Species: 100
To Genus Directories:
To Dendrology Genus Directories:
Hamammelidaceae |
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Distribution: Mostly in
warm temperate to subtropical regions of the Old and New World.
Economic Uses: Used medicinally
as tonics, astringents and lotions and for its fragrant hardwood.
Also cultivated as ornamentals.
Defining
Features of Interest: The genera are
considered by some botanists distinct enough to comprise their
own families.
Fossil Evidence: Fossil
leaves and pollen in the Upper Cretaceaous.
Floral Features : Actinomorphic (rarely zygomorphic) and perfect or unisexual. Inflorescence as a head or spike. Epigynous. Colored bracts sometimes present.
Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit a woody capsule. Seeds with endosperm present. Placentation is axile.
Vegetative Features : Habit is as shrubs or trees. Leaves simple and often palmately lobed, alternate. Stipules are present.
